Book excerpt: The rapid recent developments in digital mapping technology and the increasing demand for geo-referenced small area population data have been the main motivation for the present handbook. The Handbook provides guidance on how to ensure consistency and facilitate census operations; support data collection and help monitor census activities during enumeration; and facilitate presentation, analysis and dissemination of census results. Along with an overview of geographic information systems and digital mapping, the publication discusses cost-benefit analysis of an investment in digital cartography and geographical information systems (GIS); the use of GIS during census enumeration; and describes the role of GIS and digital mapping in the post-censal phase [from UN website].